The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
This past week, the students at LaHarpe Elementary and Jr. High School celebrated a drug free way of life by participating in National Red Ribbon Week
The goal behind Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community
The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. Kiki Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Camarena s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. Congress established Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
This year s celebration kicked of on Monday, October 22, and included various activities throughout the week. Monday was Decoration Day, and the slogan was Get comfy wihout drugs (wear pajama and sweats)
On Tuesday the activity was Read All About it Day , and the slogan was We can be anything we want to be drug free . The students dressed up in costumes of their choice, and paraded to the nursing home for a brief walk-through. For the record, the parade of students, which included kindergarten through 8th grade, spread out over an entire city block. Wednesday was Pledge Day , and the slogan was Give the Boot to drugs (wear boots and hats) Thursday was Red Rally Day , and the slogan was Drug Free and Proud of It! On this day, the entire school wore red to symbolize support for leading a drug free life. The students formed the anti-drug circle out at the football field.
Red Ribbon Week provides students the opportunity to be vocal and visible in their efforts to achieve a drug-free community.
Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse.